Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1887-04-21

what man can do by imagination. The word
were Greek to him, but be particularly like;
rolling out: "Hs can soar aloft where stars
glitter on the mantle Of light and a mort
effulgent sun lights up the bushes Of morn
ing"
Talking with Frederick Douglass one i
sometimes inclined to think that, interesting
as his autobiography is, it does not contain
many OF the most interesting experiences OF
luis life, those he once thought, perhaps, In
significant to the public. On his wifes piano
at Cedar Hill you may see the very same
music book that he slipped into his bundle
when he skipped out Of Maryland. 1t is
worth something to see him standing with his
violin singing with Mrs. Douglass those old
"Seraph" hymns. II yon breakfast with him
on Sunday morning he will pass you with
his own hand the Maryan biscuits, and is it
not worth knowing that they are just like the
biscuits "Miss Lucretia" used to give him
when half starved he sang under her dining
room Window II used to wish could have
my fill Of them, and now mean to have, you
see." .
There was living in Washington year or
70 ago an old colored man, who was q fellow
'lave with Sired, as he still calls him. His
wife was the daughter OF the old fiddler of
II
ogether-the recorder Of the District Of
Columbia. and the tender of a furnace in the
-apitol-laughing merrily over "reminiscences
II the plantation, was unique experience.
mo, don't remember anything special that
Fred used to do in them days." said the old
nan in reply to probing inquiry, sonly he jes
wouldn't be put upon and wanted to boss
everything" Frederick Douglass had the
TRANCE pleasure Of shaking hands not many
years ago with the sheriff who locked him up
n the Easton Jail. after he had been dragged
with tied hands behind horse, for attempting
20 run away. 1t is no secret that he has been
benefactor of the family Of his old master.
1t is said that the Hon. Frederick Douglass
is not the eloquent orator that Fred Douglass
used to be. True, there is a great difference
between his calm addresses OF to day-his
scholarly paper upon William the Silent, for
instance-and the fiery outbursts of his pent
up powers when the fugitive slave bill was
passed. Given the occasion, the gospel,
and Frederick Douglass would speak to-
day as powerfully as ever. The old fire
i there It flashed and famed at a de-
not long before he sailed Tor Europe. The
subject under discussion was the right of
women to the ballot. Douglass was expected
TO attend the meeting, and Douglass was a lit
tie late. The room was crowded with the
colored men Of Washington. The question of
his leadership was proved that night. The
opening Of the meeting was postponed
until he should come. When his white
head was seen at the entrance there
was spontaneous and hearty cheering.
Douglass was called upon to close the de-
bate, and it was in his summary Of the
question, his defense Of womai's right to the
ballot, that he was led into "reminiscences Of
the old conflict for his race-and the Douglass
OF nnti-slavery days was back again.
The reports circulated tina t Frederick Doug
lass is worth at least $3OO, 600 are without
foundation. He is perhaps worth nearly one
third of that sum. His mail is Overladen witt.
letters begging-yes, in some cases demand.
ing assistance. II helped free your people
it is but fair you should relieve my poverty"
is the key note Of many. II Douglass is indie
pendent, his children are not. Writing is hard
work for Douglass, owing to his partially
crippled right hand, hurt in mob in Indian.
apoliS, but he answers many OF the begging
letters, and most kindly.
JANE MARSH PARKER